U.S. patent application number 12/818330 was filed with the patent office on 2010-12-16 for sectioning device and method of use.
This patent application is currently assigned to EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS, LLC. Invention is credited to Amit Doshi, Kamran Farid, Tariq Farid.
Application Number | 20100313724 12/818330 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45348581 |
Filed Date | 2010-12-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100313724 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Farid; Tariq ; et
al. |
December 16, 2010 |
SECTIONING DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE
Abstract
A sectioning device including a frame having a cutter deck with
an opening disposed therethrough; a removable insert having an
opening disposed therethrough, the removable insert positioned
above the opening of the cutter deck such that the opening of the
removable insert and the opening of the cutter deck are
concentrically aligned; a cutter removably positioned on the
removable insert; a press assembly positioned on the frame for
pushing an item against and through the cutter; and an activator
moving at least one of the cutter and the press assembly between a
neutral position and a sectioning position in a single continuous
motion, the press assembly and the cutter configured such that the
item is sectioned upon movement from the neutral position to the
sectioning position.
Inventors: |
Farid; Tariq; (Cheshire,
CT) ; Farid; Kamran; (Chesire, CT) ; Doshi;
Amit; (North Wales, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAUD-Kinney Group LLP
306 INDUSTRIAL PARK ROAD, SUITE 206
MIDDLETOWN
CT
06457
US
|
Assignee: |
EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS, LLC
Wallingford
CT
|
Family ID: |
45348581 |
Appl. No.: |
12/818330 |
Filed: |
June 18, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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12248347 |
Oct 9, 2008 |
|
|
|
12818330 |
|
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|
61025538 |
Feb 1, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
83/123 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 83/885 20150401;
B26D 7/0608 20130101; Y10T 83/8845 20150401; B26D 3/185 20130101;
B26D 3/24 20130101; B26D 3/26 20130101; Y10T 83/2122 20150401; Y10T
83/8831 20150401; B26D 7/1818 20130101; B26D 3/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
83/123 |
International
Class: |
B26D 7/06 20060101
B26D007/06 |
Claims
1. A sectioning device comprising: a frame having a cutter deck
with an opening disposed therethrough; a removable insert having an
opening disposed therethrough, the removable insert positioned
above the opening of the cutter deck such that the opening of the
removable insert and the opening of the cutter deck are
concentrically aligned; a cutter removably positioned on the
removable insert; a press assembly positioned on the frame for
pushing an item against and through the cutter; and an activator
moving at least one of the cutter and the press assembly between a
neutral position and a sectioning position in a single continuous
motion, the press assembly and the cutter configured such that the
item is sectioned upon movement from the neutral position to the
sectioning position.
2. A sectioning device according to claim 1, wherein at least a
portion of the activator slidably engages at least a portion of the
press assembly.
3. A sectioning device according to claim 1, wherein the activator
is pivotally coupled to the frame for rotational movement of the
means for moving toward the sectioning position.
4. A sectioning device according to claim 1, wherein the cutter
comprises a plurality of blades defining a plurality of voids
therebetween.
5. A sectioning device according to claim 4, wherein the press
assembly comprises a press module having plurality of fingers
extending therefrom and corresponding in size and shape to the
plurality of voids in the cutter such that the fingers may be
inserted into the voids during operation of the sectioning
device.
6. A sectioning device according to claim 4, wherein the blades are
disposed in a radial pattern.
7. A sectioning device according to claim 1, wherein the press
assembly comprises a press module having plurality of fingers
extending therefrom.
8. A sectioning device according to claim 7, wherein the fingers
are wedge-shaped.
9. A sectioning device according to claim 1, wherein the press
assembly includes a support movebly positioned on the frame and a
press module removably positioned on the support.
10. A sectioning device according to claim 9, wherein the press
module has a plurality of fingers extending therefrom.
11. A sectioning device according to claim 1, further comprising a
receptacle for receiving the item from the cutter.
12. A sectioning device according to claim 1, wherein the activator
comprises at least one of a motor and a pneumatic cylinder.
13. A method of sectioning an item with a sectioning device, the
method comprising: positioning an item to be sectioned between a
cutter and a press assembly of a sectioning device, the cutter
positioned on a removable insert positioned above an opening of a
cutter deck of the sectioning device; moving at least one of the
cutter and the press assembly between a neutral position and a
sectioning position in a single continuous motion; and pushing the
item through the cutter and removable insert, thereby sectioning
the item with the sectioning device.
14. A method for modifying a sectioning device to section items of
different shapes, the method comprising: positioning a cutter
between an opening of a cutter deck and a press assembly of a
sectioning device, the cutter adapted to section a first fruit by
pushing the first fruit through the cutter; and sectioning a second
fruit shaped differently from the first fruit by removing the
cutter and positioning a removable insert between the opening of
the cutter deck and a second cutter, thereby modifying the
sectioning device to section items of different shapes.
15. A method according to claim 16, wherein a diameter of the
second cutter is smaller than a diameter of the cutter.
16. A method according to claim 16, wherein the cutter comprises a
plurality of blades defining a plurality of voids therebetween.
17. A method according to claim 16, wherein the second cutter
comprises a plurality of blades defining a plurality of voids
therebetween.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/248,347 filed on Oct. 9, 2008, which claims
the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/025,538
filed Feb. 1, 2008, the entire contents of which are hereby
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] The disclosed subject matter is generally directed to the
cutting of food and non-food items and is more specifically
directed to a device for sectioning such food and non-food items
into desired shapes.
[0004] 2. Related Art
[0005] It is well known that food items such as fruit can be cut or
sectioned by a knife. Utilization of knives to cut or section food
items can be time consuming, physically exhausting and dangerous.
Previous attempts to overcome these downfalls have resulted in
devices that are large, cumbersome, and often not easily portable.
Furthermore, the devices are often still physically exhausting and
dangerous when placed into use.
[0006] Accordingly, the inventors recognize that a need exists for
an improved apparatus and method for cutting or sectioning food or
non-food items.
SUMMARY
[0007] According to one aspect illustrated herein, there is
provided a sectioning device comprising: a frame having a cutter
deck with an opening disposed therethrough; a removable insert
having an opening disposed therethrough, the removable insert
positioned above the opening of the cutter deck such that the
opening of the removable insert and the opening of the cutter deck
are concentrically aligned; a cutter removably positioned on the
removable insert; a press assembly positioned on the frame for
pushing an item against and through the cutter; and an activator
moving at least one of the cutter and the press assembly between a
neutral position and a sectioning position in a single continuous
motion, the press assembly and the cutter configured such that the
item is sectioned upon movement from the neutral position to the
sectioning position.
[0008] According to other aspects illustrated herein, there is
provided a method of sectioning an item with a sectioning device,
the method comprising: positioning an item to be sectioned between
a cutter and a press assembly of a sectioning device, the cutter
positioned on a removable insert positioned above an opening of a
cutter deck of the sectioning device; moving at least one of the
cutter and the press assembly between a neutral position and a
sectioning position in a single continuous motion; and pushing the
item through the cutter and removable insert, thereby sectioning
the item with the sectioning device.
[0009] According to other aspects illustrated herein, there is
provided a method for modifying a sectioning device to section
items of different shapes, the method comprising: positioning a
cutter between an opening of a cutter deck and a press assembly of
a sectioning device, the cutter adapted to section a first fruit by
pushing the first fruit through the cutter; and sectioning a second
fruit shaped differently from the first fruit by removing the
cutter and positioning a removable insert between the opening of
the cutter deck and a second cutter, thereby modifying the
sectioning device to section items of different shapes.
[0010] The above described and other features are exemplified by
the following figures and detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Referring now to the Figures, which are exemplary
embodiments:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a sectioning device
with a handle;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a portion of the
sectioning device of FIG. 1 including a pneumatic cylinder;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a cutter deck;
[0015] FIGS. 3A-B illustrates several views of a removable
insert;
[0016] FIG. 4A is a top view of a floral pattern cutter;
[0017] FIG. 4B is a top view of a cutter with a heart shaped
pattern;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a front partial cross sectional view of the
support and a portion of the sectioning device;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a side view of the sectioning device in a neutral
position; and
[0020] FIGS. 6A, 7 and 7A are side views of the sectioning device
in a sectioning position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, a sectioning device 10 may be utilized
for sectioning food and other items such as, for example, fruits
such as melons, pears, pineapples, apples; vegetables such as
eggplant and zucchini; breads and doughs; and non-food items such
as wood, plastic and rigid foam. The sectioning device 10 includes
a frame 12 and a cutter 14 removably positioned on the frame. The
sectioning device 10 also includes a press assembly 16 movably
positioned on the frame 10 and an activator 17. The activator 17
activates the press assembly 16 to push an item (shown and
described below) to be sectioned against and through the cutter
14.
[0022] In one embodiment, the activator 17 includes a handle 18
pivotally coupled to the frame 10 for movement between a neutral
position and a sectioning position. Movement of the handle 18
causes the press assembly to move between the neutral position and
the sectioning position.
[0023] The device 10 is configured so that the above-described
movement of the press assembly 16 between the neutral and
sectioning positions can be accomplished in one smooth continuous
motion. In one embodiment, the device 10 is configured so that an
item to be sectioned is placed between the press assembly 16 and
the cutter 14 and pushed through the cutter, thereby causing the
entirety of the item to be sectioned.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the handle 18 is generally u-shaped and
is pivotally coupled at two generally opposing positions to the
frame 12 thereby causing the handle to be rotatable about a pivot
axis A. In one embodiment, a portion of the handle 18 slidably
engages the press assembly 16 to effect movement thereof between
the neutral and sectioning positions.
[0025] While a u-shaped handle 18 is shown and described, it is
contemplated that other handle shapes and configurations can be
employed without departing from the broader aspects of the
sectioning device 10. Moreover, while the handle 18 has been shown
and described as being pivotably attached to the frame at two
generally opposing points 20, it is contemplated that a single
pivot location may be employed. Moreover, mechanisms of the
activator 17 for moving the press assembly 16, other than the
handle 18, and/or movement of the cutter 14 between the neutral
position and the sectioning position can be employed, including,
but not limited to, motors, steppers motors, pneumatic cylinders,
diaphragm actuators, lead screws, rack and pinions, belt drives and
cam mechanisms.
[0026] The sectioning device of FIG. 2 is similar to that
illustrated in FIG. 1. Therefore, like elements will be given like
numbers preceded by the numeral 2. Referring to FIG. 2, a
sectioning device for sectioning food and other items is generally
designated by the reference number 210. The sectioning device 210
includes a frame 212 and a cutter 214 removably positioned on the
frame. A press assembly 216 is movably positioned on the frame 212
for pushing an item to be sectioned against and through the cutter
214.
[0027] The sectioning device 210 includes a pneumatic cylinder 222
mounted on the frame 212. The pneumatic cylinder 222 includes a
shaft 224 moveable between an extended position and a retracted
position. The extended position of the shaft 224 corresponds to the
above-described sectioning position, while the retracted position
of the shaft corresponds to the above-described neutral position.
The pneumatic cylinder 222 is controlled via the introduction of
pressurized gas from a gas source, such as, for example, a
compressed air container (not shown). A valve or other actuator
(not shown) can also be employed to operate the cylinder. While a
pneumatic cylinder has been described, the sectioning device 210 is
not limited in this regard as it is within the scope of the present
disclosure to employ a hydraulic cylinder and liquid source.
[0028] Referring back to FIG. 1, the frame 12 can be manufactured
from a substantially rigid material such as metal and includes a
base 28, a cover plate 30 and a cutter deck 32 positioned between
the base and the cover plate. While the device 10 may be
manufactured to any dimension requested by a user, it is
contemplated that the cutter deck 32 have a dimension that is
adaptable to hold items of various sizes that are placed
thereon.
[0029] In one embodiment, the cutter deck 32 has a generally square
shape, wherein each of the four sides has a length between about 10
inches to about 20 inches. In another embodiment, each of the four
sides of the generally square shaped cutter deck 32 has a length
between about 12 inches to about 15 inches. In a further
embodiment, two opposing sides of the generally square shaped
cutter deck 32 are between about 12.5 inches and about 13.0 inches
while the remaining two opposing sides of the generally square
shaped cutter deck are between about 13 inches and about 14
inches.
[0030] The frame 12 also includes a backing plate 34. The base 28,
the cover plate 30 and the cutter deck 32 are mounted to the
backing plate 34 and in the illustrated embodiment are
substantially perpendicular thereto. One or more legs 36 extend
between the cutter deck 32 and the base 28. The frame 12 further
includes one or more guide posts 40 each coupled to the cover plate
30 at one end and to the cutter deck 32 at a generally opposite
end. The press assembly 16 includes a support 42 extending between
the guide posts 40 and engaged with the guide posts and a
cylindrical press shaft 44 which is removably mounted to the
support 42. A press module 48 is removably mounted to the press
shaft 44. A detent mechanism (not shown) may be employed to retain
the press module on the support.
[0031] In one embodiment, the press module 48 is removable with
respect to the item being sectioned. For example, if the item to be
sectioned is a pineapple, in a lengthwise position, the press
module 48 roughly corresponds to the diameter of the pineapple.
However, if a melon is to be sectioned, the press module 48 can be
interchanged with a press module that is wider in diameter to
roughly match the diameter of the melon. While pineapples and
melons are discussed, these food items are merely examples of items
that may be sectioned by the device. Moreover, it is contemplated
that the press module 48 may have other shapes or sizes as shown
and described herein and as would be known to those skilled in the
art to accommodate sectioning items of interest.
[0032] While the press module 48 has been described as being
removably mounted to the press shaft 44, the sectioning device 10
is not limited in this regard as the press module can also be
integral with the press shaft.
[0033] While the sectioning device 10 is shown as including the
frame 12 having the base 28, the cover plate 30, the cutter deck 32
and the backing plate 34, the sectioning device is not limited in
this regard as other suitable frame configurations may be employed
without departing from the broader aspects of the sectioning device
including but not limited to configurations having any number of
extensions secured to the base; a one piece molded structure; a
structure including components adhesively secured, welded and/or
brazed to one another; a collapsible structure; a frame having a
splash guard, dust cover and/or safety shield; and a structure
comprised of modular components interchangeable with other
devices.
[0034] While the frame 12 has been described as being manufactured
from metal, the sectioning device 10 is not limited in this regard
as other materials including plastic, wood and composite materials
are also contemplated. While the base 28, the cover plate 30 and
the cutter deck 32 are shown stacked substantially parallel to one
another with the backing plate 34 substantially perpendicular
thereto, the sectioning device 10 is not limited in this regard as
the base 28, the cover plate 30, the cutter deck 32 and the backing
plate 34 can be configured in other suitable orientations without
departing from the broader aspects of the sectioning device.
[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 the cutter deck 32 has a
substantially circular opening 54 disposed therethrough. An annular
ring 58 is positioned on the cutter deck 32, concentrically with
the opening 54 and forming a lip 60 on the cutter deck 32 for
removably supporting the cutter 14. A key 62 is fixed to an inner
circumference of the ring 58 and the lip 60 for alignment with a
notch (described below) of the cutter 14.
[0036] The diameter D of the circular opening 54 may vary depending
on the size of the device 10. In one embodiment, the circular
opening 54 has a diameter D of between about 8 inches to about 13
inches. In another embodiment, the circular opening 54 has a
diameter D of between about 9 inches to about 12 inches.
[0037] In one embodiment, the diameter D of the circular opening 54
can be reduced in size to accommodate different or smaller shaped
items, thus modifying the sectioning device 10 to section different
items, such as, for example, different shapes and sizes of fruit.
Modification of the sectioning device 10 and the reduction of the
diameter D of the circular opening 54 may be accomplished by
positioning a removable insert 55, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B,
within the opening 54. In one embodiment, the removable insert 55
is positioned on top of the lip 60 of the cutter deck 32.
[0038] The removable insert 55 has an opening 61 disposed
therethrough. In one embodiment as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the
opening 61 is circular. The removable insert 55 is not limited in
this regard as the opening 61 may be another shape, including, but
not limited to, square, oval, and the like. The removable insert 55
is positioned on top of the lip 60 such that the opening 61 is
concentrically aligned with the opening 54.
[0039] The removable insert 55 has a notch 57 on an outside rim 59
that mates with the key 62 to align and secure the removable insert
55 on the lip 60. The opening 61 of the removable insert 55 has a
diameter D' that is smaller than the diameter D of the circular
opening 54. In one embodiment, the diameter D' of the opening 57
may be between about 3 inches to about 8 inches. As shown in FIG.
3B, the removable insert 55 may have a raised annular ring 63 that
forms a lip 65.
[0040] FIG. 3C is a partially exploded assembly view illustrating
the positioning of the removable insert 55 on the cutter deck 32
and specifically the positioning of the removable insert and the
positioning of the cutter 14. In one embodiment, the removable
insert 55 is adapted to have the cutter 14 positioned on the lip
65. The cutter 14 used with the removable insert 55 is typically
smaller in diameter than a cutter utilized only with the annular
ring 58 on the cutter deck 32, e.g., when the removable insert is
not placed on the cutter deck.
[0041] FIG. 3D illustrates the device 10 with the handle 18 in a
position such that the press module 48 is in a sectioning position,
e.g., moved in a manner to force an item through the cutter 14, the
opening 61 of the removable insert 55 and the opening 54 of the
cutter deck 32.
[0042] Referring back to FIG. 1, the cutter 14 is shown having
twelve blades 64 extending radially outward from a circular cutting
blade 66 and terminating at and being secured to an inside surface
68 of a retaining ring 70, creating twelve wedge shaped voids 72
and one circular void 74 in the cutter 14. The press module 48 has
a contoured form 50, the shape and size of which is complementary
to the shape and size of the cutter 14 and the item to be
sectioned. Accordingly, the contoured form 50 includes twelve wedge
shaped fingers 76 which are complementary to the shape and size of
the voids 72. In addition, the contoured form 50 is illustrated
with a portion thereof cut away thereby showing one circular finger
77 which corresponds in size and shape to the circular void 74. The
wedge shaped fingers 76 and the circular finger 77 are in the form
of segmented protrusions extending from the contoured form 50.
[0043] As the press assembly 16 is moved from the neutral position
to the sectioning position, the wedge shaped fingers 76 are
inserted into the voids 72 and the circular finger 77 is inserted
into the circular void 74, thereby forcing an item placed between
the cutter 14 and the press module 48, through the cutter and the
opening 54 of the cutter deck 32 in a single continuous motion.
[0044] In one embodiment, the sectioning device 10 may also include
a receptacle 78 removably secured to the frame 12. The receptacle
78 is positioned to receive sectioned items. In one embodiment, as
shown in FIG. 1, the receptacle 78 is a chute, or a ramp having a
sloping channel through which the sectioned item may descend in a
direction away from the cutter 14. The receptacle 78 is not limited
in this regard as the receptacle may be, for example, a bowl, a
flat surface or the like.
[0045] The receptacle 78 may be positioned in a manner such that
the sectioned items are conveyed to a counter top, a belt conveyer,
a scoop, a rotary conveyor, an air and/or vacuum conveyer, or the
like.
[0046] The cutter illustrated in FIG. 4A is similar to that
illustrated in FIG. 1. Therefore, like elements will be given like
numbers preceded by the numeral 3. Referring to FIG. 4A, the cutter
314 is shown having twelve blades 364 extending radially outward
from a floral pattern cutting blade 366 and terminating at and
being secured to an inside surface 368 of a retaining ring 370,
creating twelve wedge shaped voids 372 and one floral pattern void
374 in the cutter 314. The press module (not shown) has a lower
contoured form (not shown), the shape and size of which is
complementary to the shape and size of the cutter 314. For example,
the lowered contoured form includes wedge shaped fingers and a
central floral pattern finger complementary to the cutter 314
forcing an item placed between the press module and the cutter in a
single continuous motion.
[0047] It should be appreciated that while twelve blades 64, 364
are shown with one circular pattern cutting blade 66 (or a floral
pattern cutting blade 366), the sectioning device 10 is not limited
in this regard as various different shapes, sizes and number of
blades as well as the orientation and/or disposition of the blades
may be employed without departing from the broader aspects of the
sectioning device. It should also be appreciated that while the
cutter 14 and 314 are shown having a circular shape retaining ring
70, 370, other shapes may also be used depending upon the
particular application. For example, a cutter 414 illustrated in
FIG. 4B having six blades 464 extending radially outward from a
heart shaped cutting blade 466 and terminating at and being secured
to an inside surface of a retaining ring 470 can also be
employed.
[0048] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, the support 42 includes a
substantially cylindrical sleeve 80 secured to opposing ends
thereof and in sliding engagement with respective guide posts 40. A
roller assembly 82 is positioned on an outwardly facing portion 84
of each of the cylindrical sleeves 80. The roller assemblies 82
each include a roller 86 rotatably mounted on the sleeve 80 with a
suitable fastener. Each of the roller assemblies 82 also includes
an L-shaped stop plate 92 having a first section 94 and a second
section 96 arranged substantially perpendicular to one another and
positioned on the cylindrical sleeve 80 with a suitable fastener.
Collectively, the roller 86, the stop plate 92 and the cylindrical
sleeve 80 define a boundary 100 which limits extraneous movement of
the handle 18.
[0049] While the roller assembly 82 is described as having roller
86 and a stop plate 92, the sectioning device 10 is not limited in
this regard as other means of providing sliding engagement between
the handle 18 and portions of the press assembly 16, including but
not limited to direct sliding contact between the handle and a
portion of the press assembly, the use of sleeves and the use of
roller bearing assemblies, can be employed without departing from
the broader aspects of the sectioning device.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 6, during operation of the sectioning
device 10, an item to be sectioned 90 is placed between the cutter
14 and the press module 48. The press assembly 16 moves in a single
continuous motion between a neutral position as shown in FIG. 6 and
a sectioning position as shown in FIG. 7, in response to a
generally downward force F applied to the handle 18. During the
sectioning operation, the item 90 to be sectioned is pushed through
the cutter 14 by the press module 48, thereby causing the entirety
of the item to be sectioned into sections 90A-E.
[0051] As illustrated in FIG. 6, in one embodiment, the press
assembly 16 is normally urged toward the neutral position by a coil
spring 88 wrapped around and slidably mounted on the each of the
guide posts 40. A portion of each of the springs 88 is disposed
within respective stopper sleeves 98 which are coaxial with the
respective guide posts 40 and the springs 88. The stopper sleeves
98 are secured to respective portions of the top side 46 of the
cutter deck 32 and limit travel of the press assembly 16.
[0052] As the handle 18 moves between the neutral position and the
sectioning position, an area of engagement between the handle and
the roller 86 moves between points X1 and X2. Accordingly, the
mechanical advantage imparted by the handle 18 onto the press
assembly 16, increases as the area of engagement moves away from
the pivot axis A (i.e., from point X1 to X2).
[0053] While the coil spring 88 is the to urge the press assembly
towards the neutral position, the sectioning device is not limited
in this regard as other biasing means can be adopted including but
not limited to the use of any number of coil springs, leaf springs,
torsion springs, rubber, elastomeric materials, pneumatic devices
and any combination thereof.
[0054] While the downward motion of the handle 18 is the to cause
the press assembly 16 to move towards the cutter 14, the sectioning
device 10 is not limited in this regard as other configurations are
also suitable including but not limited to having the cutter 14
move towards a stationary press assembly and having both the cutter
and the press assembly move towards each other.
[0055] Although this invention has been shown and described with
respect to the detailed embodiments thereof, it will be understood
by those of skill in the art that various changes may be made and
equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without
departing from the scope of the invention. In addition,
modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or
material to the teachings of the invention without departing from
the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the
invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed in
the above detailed description.
* * * * *